Quote of the Day "He who wishes for anything but Christ, does not know what he wishes; he who asks for anything but Christ, does not know what he is asking; he who works, and not for Christ, does not know what he is doing." — St. Philip Neri Today's Meditation "Do not suppose that after advancing the soul to such a state God abandons it so easily that it is light work for the devil to regain it. When His Majesty sees it leaving Him, He feels the loss so keenly that He gives it in many a way a thousand secret warnings which reveal to it the hidden danger. In conclusion, let us strive to make constant progress: we ought to feel great alarm if we do not find ourselves advancing, for without doubt the evil one must be planning to injure us in some way; it is impossible for a soul that has come to this state not to go still farther, for love is never idle. Therefore it is a very bad sign when one comes to a standstill in virtue." —St. Teresa of Avila, p.99 Daily Verse "In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ [Jesus] have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit. Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another." — Galatians 5:22-26 | St Filippo Smaldone St. Filippo Smaldone (1848–1923) was born in Naples, Italy, during a time of upheaval and unrest both in Italy and in the Church. He decided to become a priest, and while in seminary he took on a personal apostolate of assisting the deaf and mute community in Naples. He dedicated so much time to this work that he barely passed his exams. After his ordination he continued to assist the marginalized of his community, especially the sick. When the plague hit his city he contracted it, however, he was healed after praying to Our Lady of Pompeii, to whom he had a special devotion. He continued his pioneer work in the education of the deaf and mute, though he became discouraged at the difficulty of the task and considered going into the foreign missions instead. Dissuaded from the abandonment of his work by his confessor, St. Filippo committed his life's mission to the needs of the deaf and mute, training a group of nuns in the work which grew into a new religious foundation. He later expanded his work to include children that were blind, orphaned, and abandoned. His feast day is June 4th. | Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter Reading 1 Acts 20:28-38 At Miletus, Paul spoke to the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus:
"Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock
of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers,
in which you tend the Church of God
that he acquired with his own Blood.
I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you,
and they will not spare the flock.
And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth
to draw the disciples away after them.
So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day,
I unceasingly admonished each of you with tears.
And now I commend you to God
and to that gracious word of his that can build you up
and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated.
I have never wanted anyone's silver or gold or clothing.
You know well that these very hands
have served my needs and my companions.
In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort
we must help the weak,
and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said,
'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" When he had finished speaking
he knelt down and prayed with them all.
They were all weeping loudly
as they threw their arms around Paul and kissed him,
for they were deeply distressed that he had said
that they would never see his face again.
Then they escorted him to the ship. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 68:29-30, 33-35a, 35bc-36ab R. (33a) Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Show forth, O God, your power,
the power, O God, with which you took our part;
For your temple in Jerusalem
let the kings bring you gifts. R. Sing to God, O Kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God,
chant praise to the Lord
who rides on the heights of the ancient heavens.
Behold, his voice resounds, the voice of power:
"Confess the power of God!" R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Over Israel is his majesty;
his power is in the skies.
Awesome in his sanctuary is God, the God of Israel;
he gives power and strength to his people. R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia. Alleluia See John 17:17b, 17a R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Your word, O Lord, is truth;
consecrate us in the truth.
R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel John 17:11b-19 Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying:
"Holy Father, keep them in your name
that you have given me,
so that they may be one just as we are one.
When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me,
and I guarded them, and none of them was lost
except the son of destruction,
in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
But now I am coming to you.
I speak this in the world
so that they may share my joy completely.
I gave them your word, and the world hated them,
because they do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
I do not ask that you take them out of the world
but that you keep them from the Evil One.
They do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
Consecrate them in the truth.
Your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world,
so I sent them into the world.
And I consecrate myself for them,
so that they also may be consecrated in truth."
| Praise to You Oh Lord Jesus Christ! | Daily Meditation: Acts 20:28-38 And now I commend you to God. (Acts 20:32) Yesterday, we saw Paul grappling with the desire to complete his course and his sense that his work may have come to a close. Today, we see his faith as he commends his brothers and sisters in Ephesus into God's hands. Paul had worked among them for three years. But as he looked to the future, he warned them, "Men will come forward perverting the truth to draw the disciples away after them" (Acts 20:30). So was Paul worried by this? Not really. And he didn't want the Ephesians to worry, either. He simply told them to be vigilant and remember the time he had spent among them, teaching them, praying with them, and suffering with them. But in the end, after all the words and prayers and tears, they were in God's hands. God was the only One who, even amid threats to their faith, could "build [them] up and give [them] the inheritance among all who are consecrated" (Acts 20:32). What an example Paul gives to us as we entrust our loved ones to God and intercede for them. Obviously, we pray fervently. We may even shed some tears as we tell the Lord about our concerns. We take opportunities to speak to them from the heart, but we don't have to be consumed with worry. As we place them in the capable hands of our God, we can be confident that he will take care of the people we love, no matter what dangers or threats lie ahead. Of course, that's easier said than done. When you're praying for a child who is discerning a religious vocation or a grandchild who seems to be getting into trouble or your sister who doesn't want to go to church anymore, you might feel helpless. But this is where faith comes in. Ask yourself, "Is God able to protect them? Is he aware of the uncertainties that lie ahead for them? Does he know the hidden things that are going on in their hearts? Does he love them enough to help them?" The answer to all these questions is a resounding "Yes!" So take that step of faith, and like Paul, commend them and their needs to God. "Heavenly Father, I trust you to take care of my loved ones, come what may!" Psalm 68:29-30, 33-36
John 17:11-19 | Reflections with Brother Adrian: |  Hear AI Read it for u | From today's Holy Gospel: "I gave them your word, and the world hated them,
because they do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
I do not ask that you take them out of the world
but that you keep them from the Evil One.
They do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
Consecrate them in the truth.
Your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world,
so I sent them into the world.
And I consecrate myself for them,
so that they also may be consecrated in truth."......" | From Roberto:
"To be "sanctified in the truth" means to be consecrated to God, to live a life that reflects His Word, which is truth. Truth is not just a concept, but a person: Christ himself. Jesus consecrates himself for us – by his death and resurrection – so that we too may be holy, that is, fully of God.
This prayer of Jesus reminds us that we are not alone, that we are guardians of a truth, a joy and a unity that have their source in God. But also that we are in the midst of a world that often challenges us. The key is not to run away, but to remain faithful and be witnesses to God's truth. • Do I live with the awareness that I am in the world, but I am not of the world? • How much do I seek and cultivate unity with other disciples of Christ? • Do I allow myself to be sanctified by God's Word, or do I accommodate it according to my interests? Lord Jesus,
that you prayed for us before you gave your life,
I ask you to keep me in your truth,
that you make me a faithful witness in this world,
and that you live in me so that I can live united with my brothers
and be a reflection of your love.
Amen." end of Roberto quote.
From Bishop Barron:
"It is true that, at times, the Church must hunker down in order to preserve its life against a hostile culture. But the ultimate purpose of the Church is never hunkering down or escaping. It is the transformation of the culture. The Church always exists for the world. If God simply took us out of the world, he would be removing the leaven necessary for the rising of the dough." end of Bishop Barron's quote.
Our Lord today speaks about a consecration. Did you know that we can, and rightly "should" consecrate ourselves daily?
Every morning lately, I've been praying a variety of morning prayers and offerings, and one of them is a consecration prayer of my body as well...for the Kingdom of God.
"My Queen and my Mother, I give myself entirely to you; and to show my devotion to you, I consecrate to you this day my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart, my whole being without reserve. Wherefore, good Mother, as I am your own, keep me, guard me, as your property and possession. Amen."
With this, I become an instrument like Mary, with Mary, with the Mother of God, in a spirit of obedience and humility.
These are important qualities in a world of disobedience and pride. Today, we must focus on what the will of God is...consecration to Himself...the truth; the truth that must not be held secret, but shared. Why? Because, Jesus our Lord and God said "I AM the way, the TRUTH, and the life". The Eucharist is not a thing, but Himself. If only the world would see His face in all Eucharists like in India, the miracle of his face imprinted on a Eucharist lately, but in other cases, it turns into flesh. Rarely has it happened, but...only because we do not let HIM become flesh in our flesh, united in our heart, mind, body...and soul. The Holy Spirit will thrive if we do our Father's will.... |  audio | Random Bible Verse 1
James 1:12 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. | If one day you don't receive these, just visit Going4th.com
God Bless You! Peace | | |
